SpaceX has successfully carried out a test flight of its most advanced Starship to date, marking a major step in Elon Musk's vision for lunar and Mars missions.The latest model, Starship V3, lifted off from the newly built Starbase launch pad in southern Texas, carrying 20 mock Starlink satellites.

Despite some engine trouble, the spacecraft maintained controlled flight before intentionally plummeting into the Indian Ocean, where it ignited upon impact – an expected outcome according to SpaceX.

The upgraded Starship stands at 124 metres, featuring more powerful engines, larger grid fins, enhanced navigation and computer systems, and docking cones for future moon missions.

NASA is backing SpaceX and Blue Origin financially to provide lunar landers for the Artemis programme, with a potential moon landing scheduled as early as 2028.

The launch represents SpaceX’s twelfth Starship test flight and shows significant improvements in control and engineering over earlier models, which often ended in midair explosions.Cameras aboard ejected Starlinks provided live views of the spacecraft during its descent, marking a first for the programme.

This development strengthens SpaceX's position in the race for lunar exploration while continuing preparations for eventual human missions to Mars.